21 APRIL
In Music History
1945 One of the world's first great R&B labels, Modern Records, is formed by Saul and Jules Bihari in Los Angeles. It would prove to be the launching pad for everyone from John Lee Hooker to Etta James.
1931 Country singer-songwriter Carl Belew, known for '50s hits like "Am I That Easy To Forget" and "Lonely Street" (made popular by Andy Williams), is born in Salina, Oklahoma.
1924 Gospel singer Clara Ward (leader of The Famous Ward Singers) is born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1919 '50s pop singer Don Cornell ("It Isn't Fair," "Hold My Hand") is born Luigi Varlaro in The Bronx, New York City.
Prince Dies
2016Prince dies at age 57 after overdosing on fentanyl, a highly addictive opioid.
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Featured Events
2014 Big Sean becomes the first rapper to perform at the White House when he duets with Ariana Grande on "Right There" at the annual Easter Egg Roll.
2004 Future Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson gets voted off season three of American Idol, where she finishes in seventh place.More
2004 Michael Jackson is officially charged with child molestation after a California grand jury determines there is enough evidence to proceed with allegations made against him for time spent at his Neverland Ranch.
1984 "Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now)" goes to #1 on the Hot 100, giving Phil Collins his first solo chart-topper on the tally. He will have six more.
1960 For about 20 years, it was common practice for record companies to pay DJs to play songs, but now the US government is cracking down on what they call "Payola." Dick Clark testifies before congress and admits that he took money and gifts to play records - estimating 27% of his playlist to be paid. Clark emerges more powerful than ever, selling off conflicting interests and expanding his music empire. On the other hand, another prominent DJ and TV host, Alan Freed, refuses to admit that he took payola, insisting that he was a consultant to the industry. His career never recovers despite his massive influence and success.
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